The Biography of America's Most Successful Robber Baron and Business Tycoon

Andrew Carnegie: The Biography of America’s Most Successful Robber Baron and Business Tycoon

by Robert Milton

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1028 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	57 pages
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Cornelius Vanderbilt was born on May 27, 1794, on Staten Island, New York. He was the fourth of nine children born to Cornelius Vanderbilt Sr. and Helena Farrow Vanderbilt. His father was a farmer and boatman, and his mother was a homemaker. Vanderbilt had little formal education, but he learned to read and write at a young age. He also developed a strong work ethic and a keen business sense.

In 1810, at the age of 16, Vanderbilt left home to work on a ferry boat that crossed the Hudson River between New York City and New Jersey. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by 1814, he was captain of his own ferry boat. In 1818, he purchased his first steamship, and in 1829, he founded the New York and Staten Island Ferry Company. Over the next few years, Vanderbilt expanded his ferry business, and by 1837, he had a fleet of 100 steamships.

In the 1840s, Vanderbilt began to invest in railroads. He saw the potential of railroads to revolutionize transportation, and he believed that he could make a fortune by investing in this new industry. In 1847, he purchased the New York and Harlem Railroad, and in 1853, he purchased the Hudson River Railroad. He also purchased several other railroads, and by 1860, he had created the largest railroad empire in the United States.

Vanderbilt was a ruthless businessman, and he was often accused of using unfair business practices to eliminate his competitors. He was also known for his lavish lifestyle, and he built several palatial mansions, including the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Despite his controversial reputation, Vanderbilt was one of the most successful businessmen in American history. He built a vast fortune, and he helped to create the modern transportation system in the United States.

Vanderbilt died on January 4, 1877, at the age of 82. He left behind a fortune of over $100 million, and he was the richest man in the United States at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife, Maria Van Antwerp, and his 13 children.

Vanderbilt's Legacy

Vanderbilt's legacy is complex and controversial. He was a brilliant businessman who built a vast fortune, but he was also a ruthless competitor who used unfair business practices to eliminate his rivals. He was also a lavish spender who built several palatial mansions. Despite his flaws, Vanderbilt was one of the most important figures in American history. He helped to create the modern transportation system in the United States, and he left behind a lasting legacy of philanthropy.

• Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, was founded in 1873 with a $1 million donation from Vanderbilt.
• The Vanderbilt YMCA in New York City was founded in 1853 with a $100,000 donation from Vanderbilt.
• The Vanderbilt Clinic in New York City was founded in 1886 with a $500,000 donation from Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt's legacy is also reflected in the many streets, buildings, and parks that bear his name. He is remembered as one of the most successful and influential businessmen in American history.

Cornelius Vanderbilt was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant businessman who built a vast fortune, but he was also a ruthless competitor who used unfair business practices to eliminate his rivals. He was also a lavish spender who built several palatial mansions. Despite his flaws, Vanderbilt was one of the most important figures in American history. He helped to create the modern transportation system in the United States, and he left behind a lasting legacy of philanthropy.

Andrew Carnegie: The Biography of America’s Most Successful Robber Baron and Business Tycoon

by Robert Milton

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1028 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	57 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE